Netflix releases so many new shows and movies that some just get lost in the endless scroll of content. While hits like Stranger Things and Squid Game get all the attention, many other Netflix Originals quietly appear and vanish without making a splash. These forgotten shows often disappear so completely that even people who watched them when they first came out barely remember they existed.
The streaming giant sometimes creates interesting and unique content that arrives with little promotion and leaves without fanfare. Some of these shows had creative stories, talented actors, and good production value, but bad timing or lack of marketing meant they never found their audience. Looking back at these lost Netflix Originals reveals some hidden gems that deserved more attention than they got.
Sense8 (2015-2018)
This mind-bending sci-fi series from the creators of The Matrix connected eight strangers who could share thoughts and skills. The show broke ground with its diverse cast and representation of LGBTQ+ characters from different cultures. Despite passionate fans raising money for a proper ending, Netflix only allowed a two-hour finale to wrap up the story. The ambitious production costs and international filming made it too expensive to continue.
Marco Polo (2014-2016)
One of Netflix’s first big-budget originals explored the adventures of the famous explorer in Kublai Khan’s court. The stunning costumes and sets made it one of the most expensive shows ever produced at the time. Critics praised the action scenes and political intrigue but audiences didn’t tune in enough to justify the massive cost. Netflix lost nearly $200 million on the series before quietly ending it.
Hemlock Grove (2013-2015)
This supernatural horror series from Eli Roth featured werewolves, mad scientists, and small-town mysteries. The show gained attention for its graphic transformation scenes and unique take on horror tropes. Famous faces like Famke Janssen and Bill Skarsgård couldn’t save it from declining viewership. It ended after three seasons with most viewers forgetting it ever existed.
The Get Down (2016-2017)
Baz Luhrmann’s colorful series about the birth of hip-hop in 1970s Bronx cost nearly $120 million to produce. The show mixed real historical figures with fictional characters learning to express themselves through music. Amazing performances and authentic music couldn’t overcome production delays and budget problems. Netflix split the only season into two parts before canceling it.
American Vandal (2017-2018)
This clever mockumentary series perfectly copied true-crime documentaries while investigating silly high school pranks. The show balanced ridiculous humor with surprisingly deep commentary about modern media and teen life. Even winning a Peabody Award couldn’t save it from cancellation after two seasons. Its smart satire deserved more recognition than it received.
The OA (2016-2019)
This mysterious series about a blind woman who returns with sight and strange powers gained a devoted following. The show pushed boundaries with interpretive dance movements that could open portals between dimensions. Brit Marling’s performance and the unique storytelling style made it unlike anything else on Netflix. Fans staged protests when Netflix canceled it after two seasons, leaving many questions unanswered.
Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
This stunning prequel to Jim Henson’s classic film used amazing puppetry and practical effects instead of CGI. The show won an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program and praise for its detailed fantasy world. Despite the incredible craftsmanship and star-studded voice cast, Netflix decided it was too expensive to continue. The cancellation disappointed both fans of the original movie and new viewers.
Altered Carbon (2018-2020)
This cyberpunk series explored a future where people could transfer their consciousness between different bodies. The impressive special effects and complex plot about immortality and power drew in sci-fi fans. The second season starred Anthony Mackie but couldn’t maintain the audience Netflix wanted. High production costs and dropping viewership led to its quiet end after two seasons.
GLOW (2017-2019)
This comedy-drama about the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling in the 1980s earned multiple Emmy nominations. The show tackled serious issues while celebrating female friendship and empowerment through wrestling. COVID-19 interrupted the filming of the final season, leading Netflix to cancel it completely. The talented cast and writers never got to give their characters the ending they deserved.
Daybreak (2019)
This post-apocalyptic series mixed Mad Max with Ferris Bueller in a unique way, showing what happens when adults turn into zombies and teens rule the world. The show balanced dark humor with a genuine heart, featuring Matthew Broderick in a clever nod to his famous role. Its creative take on high school cliques in a wasteland setting made it stand out from other zombie shows. Netflix axed it after one season despite its fresh approach and growing fanbase.
One Day at a Time (2017-2019)
This modern update of Norman Lear’s classic sitcom focused on a Cuban-American family dealing with modern issues. Rita Moreno stole every scene as the dramatic grandmother while the show tackled topics like mental health and immigration. Despite critical acclaim and a passionate fan base, Netflix claimed not enough people watched to justify continuing. Pop TV saved it for one more season before it ended completely.
Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)
Drew Barrymore starred as a realtor turned zombie trying to maintain suburban family life while eating people. The show balanced horror-comedy with genuine heart as her family helped hide her condition. Timothy Olyphant’s performance as her supportive husband made the weird premise work perfectly. Netflix ended it on a cliffhanger after three seasons despite steady viewership.
Mindhunter (2017-2019)
This critically acclaimed series about the early days of FBI criminal profiling featured meticulous attention to detail. The show recreated famous serial killer interviews while exploring the psychological toll on the agents studying them. David Fincher’s direction gave it a unique visual style that set it apart from typical crime shows. Though not officially canceled, the high costs and long production time led to an indefinite hiatus.
Seven Seconds (2018)
This intense crime drama starring Regina King explored racial tensions after a police cover-up in Jersey City. The show tackled difficult subjects with nuance and powerful performances from its entire cast. Creator Veena Sud crafted a compelling story about justice, grief, and institutional racism. Though it won Regina King an Emmy nomination, Netflix didn’t renew it for a second season.
Away (2020)
Hilary Swank starred as an astronaut leading the first mission to Mars while dealing with family problems on Earth. The show focused on the emotional cost of space exploration rather than just the technical challenges. Beautiful special effects and strong performances made the space sequences feel realistic. Netflix canceled it after one season despite its timely focus on isolation and long-distance relationships.
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